Winnipeg

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Bakeries and Dessert Shops

Stores and cafes specializing in baked goods, pastries, and desserts, catering to sweet cravings and celebrations.

Sections

1. Jenna Rae Cakes

  • Location: 580 Academy Road (near Assiniboine Park) and The Forks Market (a major landmark).
  • Offerings: Known for their beautifully crafted macarons, cupcakes, cookie sandwiches, and custom cakes. They also offer seasonal treats and gluten-free options.
  • Price Range: $$ (Macarons start at around $2.50 each; cakes and other desserts are higher-end).
  • Cultural/Local Specialty: Their macarons are a must-try, with unique flavors like Earl Grey, Cotton Candy, and Salted Caramel.
  • Operating Hours: Typically open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (hours may vary by location and season).
  • Tips:
    • Visit their location at The Forks Market for a convenient stop while exploring this iconic Winnipeg destination.
    • Arrive early, as popular items like macarons can sell out quickly.

2. Tall Grass Prairie Bread Company

  • Location: The Forks Market and 859 Westminster Avenue (Wolseley neighborhood).
  • Offerings: Famous for their organic, locally sourced baked goods, including cinnamon buns, sourdough bread, and pies.
  • Price Range: $-$$ (Cinnamon buns are around $4-$5; bread loaves start at $6).
  • Cultural/Local Specialty: Their cinnamon buns are legendary in Winnipeg and are made with organic whole grains.
  • Operating Hours: Typically open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
  • Tips:
    • Pair a cinnamon bun with a coffee from a nearby cafรฉ for a perfect breakfast or snack.
    • The Forks location is ideal for visitors exploring the market and its surrounding attractions.

3. Baked Expectations

  • Location: 161 Osborne Street (in the Osborne Village area).
  • Offerings: A retro-style dessert cafรฉ offering a wide variety of cheesecakes, pies, cakes, and milkshakes.
  • Price Range: $$ (Desserts range from $6-$10 per slice; milkshakes are around $7).
  • Cultural/Local Specialty: Their cheesecakes are a Winnipeg favorite, with flavors like Turtle, Strawberry, and Chocolate Peanut Butter.
  • Operating Hours: Open late, typically from 11:00 AM to midnight or later.
  • Tips:
    • Perfect for a late-night dessert run or a cozy spot to hang out with friends.
    • Osborne Village is a lively area with shops and restaurants, making it a great place to explore before or after your visit.

4. Oh Doughnuts

  • Location: 326 Broadway (downtown Winnipeg).
  • Offerings: Gourmet doughnuts made fresh daily, with flavors ranging from classic (Vanilla Glaze) to creative (London Fog, Maple Bacon).
  • Price Range: $-$$ (Doughnuts are around $3-$4 each).
  • Cultural/Local Specialty: Their vegan and gluten-free options are highly praised, and they focus on using high-quality, local ingredients.
  • Operating Hours: Typically open from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM (or until sold out).
  • Tips:
    • Arrive early, as they often sell out by midday.
    • Great for a quick breakfast or snack while exploring downtown Winnipeg.

5. La Belle Baguette

  • Location: 248 Avenue de la Cathรฉdrale (St. Boniface neighborhood) and 102-1200 Pembina Highway.
  • Offerings: A French-inspired bakery offering croissants, baguettes, รฉclairs, tarts, and quiches.
  • Price Range: $-$$ (Croissants start at $3; specialty pastries are around $5-$7).
  • Cultural/Local Specialty: Their almond croissants and pain au chocolat are highly recommended.
  • Operating Hours: Typically open from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
  • Tips:
    • Visit the St. Boniface location to explore Winnipegโ€™s French Quarter, which is rich in history and culture.
    • Pair your pastry with a coffee for a classic French cafรฉ experience.

6. Chocolatier Constance Popp

  • Location: 180 Provencher Boulevard (St. Boniface neighborhood).
  • Offerings: Artisan chocolates, truffles, chocolate bars, and seasonal confections.
  • Price Range: $$-$$$ (Chocolates start at $2.50 each; gift boxes range from $15-$50).
  • Cultural/Local Specialty: Their Manitoba-themed chocolates, such as the bison-shaped chocolate, are unique souvenirs.
  • Operating Hours: Typically open from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
  • Tips:
    • Perfect for picking up gifts or indulging in high-quality chocolate.
    • Combine your visit with a walk around St. Boniface to enjoy the areaโ€™s French-Canadian charm.

7. Lilac Bakery

  • Location: 920 Grosvenor Avenue (Crescentwood neighborhood).
  • Offerings: A cozy bakery offering cupcakes, cookies, squares, and custom cakes.
  • Price Range: $-$$ (Cupcakes are around $3.50; cookies and squares are $2-$4).
  • Cultural/Local Specialty: Their butter tarts and Nanaimo bars are classic Canadian treats.
  • Operating Hours: Typically open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
  • Tips:
    • A great spot for a casual treat or to order custom cakes for special occasions.
    • The Crescentwood area is a charming residential neighborhood worth exploring.

8. Chaeban Ice Cream

  • Location: 390 Osborne Street (near Osborne Village).
  • Offerings: Handcrafted ice cream made with locally sourced ingredients, featuring unique flavors like Abir Al Sham (rosewater, orange blossom, and pistachio) and Prairie Berry.
  • Price Range: $$ (Single scoops start at $5; pints are around $10).
  • Cultural/Local Specialty: Their Middle Eastern-inspired flavors are a nod to the ownersโ€™ heritage.
  • Operating Hours: Typically open from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
  • Tips:
    • Try their seasonal flavors for something new and exciting.
    • A great stop after dinner in Osborne Village.

9. Cake-ology

  • Location: 85 Arthur Street (Exchange District).
  • Offerings: Custom cakes, cupcakes, and cookies, with a focus on creative designs and flavors.
  • Price Range: $$ (Cupcakes are around $3.50; custom cakes vary by size and design).
  • Cultural/Local Specialty: Their cupcakes are a hit, with flavors like Red Velvet, Lemon Raspberry, and Chocolate Ganache.
  • Operating Hours: Typically open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
  • Tips:
    • Located in the historic Exchange District, itโ€™s a great spot to visit while exploring the areaโ€™s architecture and art galleries.

10. Sargent Sundae

  • Location: 2053 Portage Avenue (near Assiniboine Park).
  • Offerings: A seasonal ice cream shop offering soft-serve cones, sundaes, milkshakes, and banana splits.
  • Price Range: $ (Soft-serve cones start at $3; sundaes are around $5).
  • Cultural/Local Specialty: A summer favorite for locals, especially after a visit to Assiniboine Park.
  • Operating Hours: Open seasonally (spring to early fall), typically from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
  • Tips:
    • Perfect for a family outing or a casual treat after exploring the park and zoo.
    • Expect lines on warm days, but the wait is worth it!

General Tips for Enjoying Winnipegโ€™s Bakeries and Dessert Shops:

  1. Timing Matters: Many bakeries sell out of popular items early, so plan to visit in the morning or early afternoon.
  2. Explore Local Specialties: Donโ€™t miss out on Canadian classics like butter tarts, Nanaimo bars, and cinnamon buns.
  3. Combine Visits with Sightseeing: Many bakeries are located near landmarks like The Forks, Assiniboine Park, and St. Boniface, making it easy to incorporate them into your itinerary.
  4. Seasonal Treats: Look out for seasonal offerings, especially during holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving.
  5. Dietary Options: Many places offer vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free options, so donโ€™t hesitate to ask.

Winnipegโ€™s bakeries and dessert shops are a reflection of the cityโ€™s diverse culture and warm hospitality. Whether youโ€™re indulging in a decadent cheesecake or savoring a freshly baked croissant, youโ€™re sure to find something memorable!